Question 1

Is altitude sickness an issue on treks or the Pamir Highway?

Daniel · Accepted Answer

Some of our tours, including treks and the Pamir Highway trips, do reach high altitudes of over 4,000 meters (13,120 feet), so it’s important to be aware of altitude sickness and take precautions to try and prevent it. This is especially important if you don't have prior experience trekking, hiking or spending time at high altitudes. We build our itineraries to try and acclimatize you gradually, often including a rest day or a gentle start so your body can adjust. Our expert guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, not able to sleep, etc.) and will check in on how you’re feeling and provide whatever support you need. However, it’s possible to take some simple steps and precautions to avoid altitude sickness for a more enjoyable experience. The best prevention is to stay hydrated, walk at a slow pace, and avoid alcohol at high camps. In case someone does show strong symptoms, the best response is to descend to a lower altitude and sometimes we arrange for the traveler to by horseback vs. hiking to help with symptoms. Severe altitude issues are rare on our trips, but we take them seriously. With proper acclimatization and caution, most travelers handle the altitude just fine and enjoy the stunning high-mountain scenery without problems. Recommendations to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Rest for at least one night in Osh or Bishkek after your international flight before staring your tour: This is important if you are traveling a long distance and have jet lag. Starting the trek rested will help your body adjust to altitude in the next days. Note: Some of our clients come directly on a tour without doing any high-altitude adaptation. They start the trek one day after they arrive in the country. This often affects their sleep and causes headaches during the trek. Even though all of our customers manage to do the trek thanks to the support of our expert trekking guides, it’s best to try and avoid altitude sickness by giving your body time to adjust.
Acclimatize with a lower elevation hike or trek first: We highly recommend you to take a trek at 2000-3500 meters like the Ak Tor Pass Trek before starting a high altitude trek like the Best of Alay. We have other horse treks at lower altitude if you plan to take them.
Drink lots and lots of water: One of the best ways to combat altitude sickness is by drinking lots and lots of water. Try and start and end your day by drinking a liter of water. Your body will be thankful for it.
Move slowly when trekking or hiking at altitude: A slow and steady pace walking up hills and when climbing up to high mountain passes is the best way to not tire yourself out and also allow your body to adapt to the higher elevations.

Question 2

Is altitude sickness an issue on treks or the Pamir Highway?

Daniel · Accepted Answer

Some of our tours, including treks and the Pamir Highway trips, do reach high altitudes of over 4,000 meters (13,120 feet), so it’s important to be aware of altitude sickness and take precautions to try and prevent it. This is especially important if you don't have prior experience trekking, hiking or spending time at high altitudes. We build our itineraries to try and acclimatize you gradually, often including a rest day or a gentle start so your body can adjust. Our expert guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, not able to sleep, etc.) and will check in on how you’re feeling and provide whatever support you need. However, it’s possible to take some simple steps and precautions to avoid altitude sickness for a more enjoyable experience. The best prevention is to stay hydrated, walk at a slow pace, and avoid alcohol at high camps. In case someone does show strong symptoms, the best response is to descend to a lower altitude and sometimes we arrange for the traveler to by horseback vs. hiking to help with symptoms. Severe altitude issues are rare on our trips, but we take them seriously. With proper acclimatization and caution, most travelers handle the altitude just fine and enjoy the stunning high-mountain scenery without problems. Recommendations to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Rest for at least one night in Osh or Bishkek after your international flight before staring your tour: This is important if you are traveling a long distance and have jet lag. Starting the trek rested will help your body adjust to altitude in the next days. Note: Some of our clients come directly on a tour without doing any high-altitude adaptation. They start the trek one day after they arrive in the country. This often affects their sleep and causes headaches during the trek. Even though all of our customers manage to do the trek thanks to the support of our expert trekking guides, it’s best to try and avoid altitude sickness by giving your body time to adjust.
Acclimatize with a lower elevation hike or trek first: We highly recommend you to take a trek at 2000-3500 meters like the Ak Tor Pass Trek before starting a high altitude trek like the Best of Alay. We have other horse treks at lower altitude if you plan to take them.
Drink lots and lots of water: One of the best ways to combat altitude sickness is by drinking lots and lots of water. Try and start and end your day by drinking a liter of water. Your body will be thankful for it.
Move slowly when trekking or hiking at altitude: A slow and steady pace walking up hills and when climbing up to high mountain passes is the best way to not tire yourself out and also allow your body to adapt to the higher elevations.